Anheuser-Busch to Release New Taste for Bud Light

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Anheuser-Busch is coming out with a sweeter, higher alcohol-content version of Bud Light as the company tries to build on the popularity of one of its top beers.

Bud Light Platinum will come in a cobalt blue bottle and it will be 6 percent alcohol by volume, compared with Bud Light’s 4.2 percent, the company said.

The brewer said Thursday that the new, sweeter-tasting product will hit shelves in late January and offer a more upscale option for drinkers of light beer.

A number of major brewers are struggling with beer sales stagnating in the U.S. as the economic downturn limits consumer spending. Parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev reported Wednesday that its profit rose from a year earlier even though it sold less beer around the world.

Bud Light has beat the trend and continues to grow in popularity.

Anheuser-Busch declined to discuss the product or marketing plans in detail.